Please respond. I am freaking out...

cekramer
cekramer Member Posts: 33
edited March 2014 in Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine) #1
I just finished treatment for early stage breast cancer and went in for my annual pap in July. They called a month later to say I have a "low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion." Do I need to have another test done and do the colposcopy and or a biopsy? What is the normal course of treatment? I can't believe now this. Thanks for your help.

Comments

  • lifesaver
    lifesaver CSN Member Posts: 4
    #2
    I'm sorry that you are having to deal with cervical scares after already going through breast cancer. Congratulations on finishing treatment, by the way. :) First of all, you don't have cervical cancer. Your doctor will probably recommend having a pap smear more often so that if the cells develop any further, they can be easily removed. Unlike breast cancer, cervical cancer normally develops slowly. This much I know. In any case, don't freak out. You are at a higher risk for other cancers now and you just have to be careful...have your regular checkups, etc. Colposcopies and biopsies of the cervix aren't painful...so if you ever end up needing one, it isn't the end of the world. Just keep an eye on it. And if you smoke...stop as it is a HUGE risk factor where cervical cancer is concerned, especially now that LSIL has been identified.
    You okay? Remember...you are a survivor! Everything will work out okay.
  • cekramer
    cekramer Member Posts: 33
    #3
    lifesaver said:

    I'm sorry that you are having to deal with cervical scares after already going through breast cancer. Congratulations on finishing treatment, by the way. :) First of all, you don't have cervical cancer. Your doctor will probably recommend having a pap smear more often so that if the cells develop any further, they can be easily removed. Unlike breast cancer, cervical cancer normally develops slowly. This much I know. In any case, don't freak out. You are at a higher risk for other cancers now and you just have to be careful...have your regular checkups, etc. Colposcopies and biopsies of the cervix aren't painful...so if you ever end up needing one, it isn't the end of the world. Just keep an eye on it. And if you smoke...stop as it is a HUGE risk factor where cervical cancer is concerned, especially now that LSIL has been identified.
    You okay? Remember...you are a survivor! Everything will work out okay.

    Thanks for your advice! The nurse that told me my diagnosis was an idiot. The doc is not concerned but for peace of mind I am going to get tested again and set up a consultation with the new physician they've assigned me. I'm ok. It's been a really bad week. Thanks again. We are ALL survivors and stronger than ever before.

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